1. Chapter 1: Religion Beyond Reason: Faith and Irrationality
Introducing Philosophy, 10th edition
Robert C. Solomon, Kathleen Higgins, and Clancy Martin

2. God as Experience
The Islamic mystics (or Sufis) argue that rationalist and mystical experiences lead to the same truths by different “paths”
Friedrich Schleiermacher insisted that religion is simply a matter of intense feelings of dependence

3. William James argued that, although ineffable, mystic experience gives knowledge
James’ argument is similar to an argument by Sufi philosopher Mohammad al-Ghazali

4. Leap of Faith Kierkegaard admitted Christian doctrines are absurd
However, it is the absurdity that makes passionate faith possible
The “inwardness” of the subjective experience requires a “leap of faith”

5. God as Ultimate Concern
Paul Tillich proposed an “irrational” Christianity
Abandon traditional notion of God
Focus on strictly personal concerns
God is the symbol of “ultimate concern”
God represents one’s meaningful existence